Atletico Madrid go after Barcelona following Joan Laporta comments – “The only victim of this case is us” | OneFootball

Barcelona are running out of time if they are to sign a new striker before the summer transfer window closes next week. They have decided that it is Julian Alvarez or nothing after a pursuit for the Argentina international that has lasted several months, although it is looking increasingly likely that a deal will not be possible.

Barcelona have publicly made it known that Alvarez is the player they want, as Joan Laporta made clear to the media in the last 24 hours. However, Atletico Madrid have been equally as public with their firm denial of any deal being done with a direct rival, and while the Catalans believe that having the player’s will can get things to go their way, this has not been the case so far.

On the back of Laporta’s comments, Atleti have bitten back hard in remarks sent to Marca. They continue to make it clear that Barcelona will not sign Alvarez, and they say that it is matter of principle now, rather than anything to do with the Catalans being able to afford a deal.

“The player is being victimised, but the only victim of the Julián case is us. They have harmed us economically and socially. There is 0% chance of selling him to Barça. This situation is not about money, it is about dignity. A campaign has been created with many lies and half-truths. The only one who pays this is Atletico.”

It does look like Barcelona will miss out on Alvarez in 2026

While Hansi Flick, Deco, Laporta and just about everyone else at Barcelona wants Alvarez, it is surely the case now that Atleti will not relax their stance. If it is the case that no alternative will be sought, it means that the Catalans will spent the first half of the 2026-27 season without a recognised senior striker, although they do have Raphinha, Anthony Gordon and Hamza Abdelkarim among their options as a temporary solution.